WILLIE LIMOND has tipped his British lightweight title challenge against Anthony Crolla to be one of the fights of the year as he prepares for a gruelling 12 rounds.

The pair met in Glasgow at a head-to-head press conference to promote the Motherwell fight, but unlike many such occasions neither fighter boasted about how they would knock out their opponent.

Not only because they are good friends but because neither has a long track record of winning inside the distance.

Crolla stopped John Watson in the ninth round to claim the title in February but has only secured nine knockouts, while Limond only has eight from 37 fights.

However, the pair are known for their boxing skills and their endurance and Limond predicts a memorable encounter when the pair meet at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports facility on November 25.

Former Commonwealth and EU champion Limond, who lost a British super-featherweight title challenge against fellow Scot Alex Arthur in 2003, said: “The British title is one of the best belts out there so to be fighting for it again is a privilege.

“I can see this being one of the best fights of the year. On paper it’s a great fight and I think it’s going to be an even better fight.”